Let Them Talk: Conversations on Louisiana Music
Free and open to the public.
11:30AM – ANDRE AND THE DIRTY NOTES – Andre Bohren is a multi-talented New Orleans musician with eclectic tastes: he’s accompanied his father, singer/songwriter Spencer Bohren; played funk and rock in the drum chair with Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes; and is featured regularly around the Crescent City as a classical pianist. He’ll talk about his wide-ranging musical interests and experiences with interviewer Fred Kasten.
12:30PM – FEVER DREAMS – That’s the title of Mia Borders’ widely praised 2016 R&B release. The New Orleans native songwriter, singer and bandleader is spreading her take on the Crescent City’s musical mix at top venues and festivals around the world, including Essence, Brazil’s Bourbon Street Music Festival, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She’ll talk about growing up in New Orleans and her life in music with interviewer Fred Kasten.
1:30PM – ON THE HOWL WITH THE WOLFMAN – The ecstatic sensibilities that energize the deep blues of great New Orleans vocalist and guitarist Walter “Wolfman” Washington make for powerful, captivating music. Whether backing legends Irma Thomas and Johnny Adams – or leading his own top-notch Roadmasters band, as he has now for decades – Walter Washington has proven himself to be a Crescent City original from a family with a rich musical history. He shares stories about growing up in New Orleans and his fifty plus years on the music scene here with interviewer Fred Kasten.
2:30PM – TRIBUTE TO PETE FOUNTAIN – Clarinet-great Pete Fountain – who passed away August 6, 2016 at age 86 – was, and always will be, a Crescent City classic. The joie de vivre Fountain brought to life and music endeared him to countless locals, visitors and fans around the world. He’s remembered by a panel, including musical colleague of many decades and close friend, cornetist Connie Jones; son-in-law and longtime manager Benny Harrell; outstanding clarinetist Tim Laughlin, who played with Fountain for many years; and author and journalist Keith Spera, who published several extended interviews with Fountain. The panel will be moderated by New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint curator David Kunian.
3:30PM – THE RANKIN FILE – As in, John Rankin, that is. The exceptional guitarist is also a fine composer, vocalist and dedicated educator with over 30 years on the music faculty at Loyola University and substantial tenures with other area universities. Rankin has turned his long-running Tuesday night gig at the Columns Hotel into a showcase for a rotating roster of great New Orleans players. He also performs solo frequently – covers the waterfront musically – and works with Cranston Clements and Jimmy Robinson in the New Orleans Guitar Masters. He talks about his life in music with interviewer Fred Kasten.
4:30PM – NEW ORLEANS SONGBIRD – That’s what one writer labeled New Orleans native and rising star vocalist Robin Barnes, whose sultry blend of soul, jazz and funk is winning lots of fans at her weekly gigs at the Windsor Court Hotel and Hotel Monteleone. Her 2016 release Songbird Sessions salutes many of her inspirations, including Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint – and hit the billboard charts. Robin Barnes talks about growing up in the Ninth Ward, singing in church and her burgeoning music career with interviewer Fred Kasten.